Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced plans to introduce a minimum age limit for children to use social media, with the aim of addressing concerns about the negative impact of excessive screen time on children’s mental and physical health. This move has sparked a backlash from digital rights advocates who warn that such measures could drive dangerous online activity underground.
Albanese has indicated that the new law would involve a trial for age verification before implementing age minimum laws for social media. While he did not specify a specific age, he suggested that it would likely fall between 14 and 16. The motivation behind the proposed law is to encourage children to engage in real-life experiences and activities, rather than spending excessive time on social media platforms.
If implemented, Australia would be among the first countries in the world to impose an age restriction on social media. Previous attempts in other regions, such as the European Union, have faced challenges and criticism for potentially limiting the online rights of minors. Tech giants like Meta (Facebook, Instagram), which currently have a self-imposed minimum age of 13, have expressed their intentions to empower young users and provide tools for parents to support them.
Despite the noble intentions behind the proposed law, critics have raised valid concerns about its potential impact. There are worries about the feasibility of enforcing a lower age limit and the unintended consequences it might have on younger users. Some experts fear that such restrictions could drive children towards unregulated online spaces, posing more significant risks than the current scenario.
Digital industry body DIGI has called for a more nuanced approach, urging the government to consider input from mental health experts, LGBTQIA+ groups, and other marginalized communities to avoid unintentionally pushing children into unsafe online environments. The eSafety Commissioner also cautioned that restriction-based approaches could limit young people’s access to critical support and push them towards less regulated online services.
As Australia moves forward with its plan to set a minimum age limit for social media use, it is essential to strike a balance between safeguarding children’s well-being and ensuring they have access to beneficial online resources. The government, tech companies, and regulators must work collaboratively to address the complex issues surrounding children’s online presence and develop strategies that protect them without inadvertently causing harm.